“You are right, my boy,” the mate said, cheerily. “I allow that she’ll be at the old anchorage, if the breeze holds, before three o’clock.”
“Have you seen anything of the voudoos?”
“Not so much as a hair. Andy’s just about starting off now to learn if they have gone back to the cave.”
The old darky, who was standing near making his preparations for the journey, did not speak. The expression on his face told how grave and dangerous he considered the mission to be, and at such a time he evidently believed it beneath his dignity to enter into conversation.
The precious rockets he was fastening over his shoulder were to be used in case of a great emergency, and the boys noticed that he frequently pressed the bosom of his shirt, as if to assure himself of the safety of some object.
“I’ll bet he has got his charm there,” Nelse whispered to Gil. “I’ve noticed that he keeps his hand over that portion of his shirt more than half the time.”
“We’ll make him show it to us when we get on board the yacht once more.”
“Be careful of yourself,” Jenkins said, in a low tone, as Andy turned to leave the camping-place. “Don’t use the rockets unless it is absolutely necessary, and come back as soon as possible.”
“Dere ain’ much danger ob my lingerin’ ’roun’ whar dat crowd is,” the old man replied, as he disappeared among the foliage.
“Now, boys, I’m going to skirmish for some oysters,” Jenkins said, when they were alone. “Here is one of the revolvers, and in case of any trouble, fire two shots; but don’t expose yourself by leaving this thicket.”